Law Clerk - Tenant Right to Counsel Project - Spring 2026

Maryland Legal Aid (MLA) advocates with and for Marylanders experiencing poverty to achieve equity and social justice through free civil legal services, community collaboration, and systemic change. 

Since 1911, Maryland Legal Aid has provided high-quality legal aid to vulnerable, low-income people and communities – helping to remedy their civil legal issues and become empowered to overcome challenges, achieve stability and independence, and reach their goals. MLA also identifies and seeks to remedy systemic barriers. MLA’s core work includes eviction and foreclosure prevention, family law, children’s rights, consumer protection, securing public benefits, and access to healthcare. MLA advocates operate primarily through the courts, via individual representation of indigent clients, but also engage in impact litigation, public communication and outreach, and policy advocacy.

Through this holistic approach, Maryland Legal Aid serves to amplify the voices of tens of thousands of economically disadvantaged and vulnerable Marylanders each year and seeks to be a leader in the legal services field nationwide. 

Job Summary:

MLA is seeking to hire a part-time law clerk for the Spring 2026 semester to support housing justice work through the Tenant Right to Counsel Project (TRCP). Under the supervision of a licensed attorney, law clerks will gain hands-on experience with the challenges and opportunities of delivering civil legal services to underserved communities. Law clerks will work alongside attorneys on the front lines of Maryland’s housing justice movement, engaging renters in court on their trial dates and participating in grassroots outreach. TRCP is building a dedicated, collaborative, and mission-driven team focused on trial representation, appeals, community engagement, and policy advocacy. Responsibilities include learning the policies and procedures of legal practice, office administration, and nonprofit management; completing administrative forms and organizing supporting documentation; conducting client intakes using basic interviewing techniques to build trust, ensure full disclosure, and identify sensitive issues; tracking policy changes; conducting legal research; filing and mailing legal documents; and assisting with special projects and other assigned tasks.

 Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled law school student.
• Prior experience and/or interest in working with low-income populations. 
• Prior experience and/or interest in law or providing non-profit civil legal services. 
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• An interest in dispute resolution and legal advocacy. 
• Ability to work independently and as a team member in a fast-paced, cross-cultural environment with a diverse client base. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and web-based applications. 
• Ability to work within an office environment and have regular interaction via in-person, telephone, videoconference, IM, and email.

Duration:  

The program begins on January 12, 2026, and concludes on May 1, 2026. Working between 15 to 20 hours weekly.

Compensation:  

$17 - $19 per hour. Applicants may receive credit for service completed through their school program. 

Application Requirements

Please submit a resume, academic transcripts, a legal writing sample, and a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications with your online application. References will be required at the final interview. 

Maryland Legal Aid is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. We are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace, reflective of our core values, for all employees.